With Sir Alex Ferguson's side going into the clash at Old Trafford in possession of a 15-point lead in the league, it represents a meek defence of the league crown City won on the final day of the campaign last season courtesy of a last-minute Sergio Aguero winner against QPR.

And Quinn feels unless the 48-year-old manages to secure victory over their local rivals and restore some local pride, or win the FA Cup, he could come under pressure from the club's owners at the end of the season

"There are rumours because there’s a couple of gentleman brought to the club from Spain [Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain] to make Manchester City bigger and better," Quinn exclusively told Goal.com at a Barclays Spaces For Sport event.

"And have the say on big footballing decisions and it’s what they think which will ultimately decide Roberto Mancini’s fate.

"It would make life a little bit easier and make Mancini’s job a little bit safer if he was to get a win tonight and if he was to go on and win the FA Cup.

"If he was to lose tonight, if they don’t win the FA Cup, I think it certainly diminishes his chances of getting a big pot of money and being told that he’s the man to go on and bring the whole thing together for the next few years.

"It’s a very interesting situation arising, but he does have a long-term contract. It may count for something but Man City have been in a hurry until now.

"It will be interesting to see what route they take. A victory tonight and perhaps it will edge Mancini’s way."

Niall Quinn was speaking at the Manchester United flagship Barclays Spaces for Sports site ahead of the Manchester Derby. To find your nearest site, go to Barclays.com/spacesforsports.